Janet Napolitano

Brendan Smialowsky, AFP/Getty Images

Janet Napolitano speaks during a farewell ceremony Sept. 6 in Washington, D.C. The former Homeland Security secretary starts her new job as head of the UC system on Sept. 30. Her surprise appointment has fueled criticism over the secret selection process, echoing debates around the country about how higher-education leaders are chosen.

Janet Napolitano speaks during a farewell ceremony Sept. 6 in Washington, D.C. The former Homeland Security secretary starts her new job as head of the UC system on Sept. 30. Her surprise appointment has fueled criticism over the secret selection process, echoing debates around the country about how higher-education leaders are chosen. (Brendan Smialowsky, AFP/Getty Images)

Janet Napolitano speaks during a farewell ceremony Sept. 6 in Washington, D.C. The former Homeland Security secretary starts her new job as head of the UC system on Sept. 30. Her surprise appointment has fueled criticism over the secret selection process, echoing debates around the country about how higher-education leaders are chosen.